It's March and the days are growing much longer. Winter took off like a jet after Ground Hog Day and blessed Pennsylvania with ample snow cover state wide. This will be one of the best months for spring skiing in years. Maximizing spring skiing takes a little planning and patience. The valleys will lose snow quickly and skiers need to head for the mountains to find the best snow. High elevations with northern exposures are the best bet for good conditions. Also, this is the time of year when open fields can become skate skiing playgrounds. The trick here is to time the morning or evening freeze to find snow that is firm enough to skate but not so icy as to be too slick. When the timing is right, huge areas become skate skiing paradises. Another tactic is to visit the groomed cross-country ski centers. Grooming creates a firm base and can take more abuse than simple skied in tracks. Grooming preserves the snow and skate skiing is usually good throughout the day. When the conditions really warm up klister wax for classical skiing and waxless skis may be the best solution to deal with wet mushy snow. Spring skiing allows one to ski in comfortable temperatures, enjoy a longer day, see changes in the landscape first hand, and experience more wildlife. Don't put those skis away, get out there and play until it is all gone. Winter is never the same from year to year. When the snow is here make good use of it. There will be a couple more snow events somewhere in PA. Be ready to pounce on that snow. Have a great time skiing this month. HP

March 5, 2010 Moshannon State Forest